Is the TOGAF exam hard to pass?
Yes, TOGAF exam preparation is challenging.
Provided by The Open Group, the exams cover a broad range of enterprise architecture concepts. The training introduces many new concepts and a formal terminology.
- The Foundation exam (Part 1) is effectively a memory test, requiring in-depth knowledge of the semantics and structure of the TOGAF framework. It tests how well you remember the names and structure of the recipes in the "TOGAF cookbook," how these are organized, and what kinds of ingredients are used.
- The Practitioner exam (Part 2) tests whether you know which recipes to use in a hypothetical scenario, and your understanding of how to operate as a capable "chef" in the EA "kitchen." You need to know what the TOGAF ADM recommends as the best way forward in eight typical situations.
Both exams are multiple choice. You don't have to write anything or create any diagrams.
The biggest challenges for most are:
- On Part 1, memorization of new language and abstract concepts
- On Part 2, remembering that the questions are testing TOGAF knowledge, not asking for your opinion In general
- Everywhere: remembering that the EA role is professional facilitation of stakeholder decision making, not making the decisions for them..
You must pass both exams in order to achieve the TOGAF EA Practitioner certification.
How long does TOGAF exam preparation take?
In our TOGAF® Practitioner course, I tell students to plan for four to ten hours of review and study after the training. The time required varies depending on your experience and your comfort level with this type of abstract material.
Don't Leave it Too Long. We recommend taking the exam about 3-5 weeks after completing the training. Waiting longer is likely to cost you points on the exam.
Learn from the Practice Exams. In our course, exam prep starts with a walk-through of both official practice exams.This helps you see into the minds of the question-writers and to focus on the topics most likely to be on the real exam.
Dive into the EAP Learner Content Library. During and after the training, our students have access to Managing Digital's comprehensive document library. This includes
- PDFs of the course slides
- The Managing Digital Course Handout
- Our own Foundation exam study booklet
- A wide set of more detailed documents with deeper dives into various EA topics.
Ask me for help! If you're stuck on studing, remember that every live training package includes follow-up access to the instructor by email and when needed on Zoom or Teams.
What TOGAF content is included in the exam?
The Foundation exam tests your understanding of about 40 enterprise architecture terms, and details of the key structural elements of the TOGAF Framework.
These include, for example, the ADM (Architecture Development Method) and its phases, the TOGAF metamodel and content framework, and the types of artifacts and deliverables that can be produced in an ADM cycle.
In the Practitioner exam, you are expected to understand how to apply core TOGAF concepts such as Stakeholder Management, Architecture Governance, Trade-Off methods, Risk Assessment, Architecture Domains, the role of Security Architecture, Gap Analysis, and more.
Where is the exam given?
The exams are provided through Pearson Vue, a global exam service with offices almost everywhere.
We recommend taking the exams in two separate sessions. The Part 1 exam is 60 minutes. The Part 2 exam is 90 minutes.
If English is not a native language in your country you will get an extra 30 minutes for each test. Students from English-speaking countries who have English as a second language can request an extra 30 minutes for each exam. Ask the instructor for details.
You can choose to attend a local Pearson Vue exam center or go for the remote proctoring option.
Remote Proctoring
Remote proctoring has some special requirements:
- You must install software that locks down your PC during the exam session. If using your company PC, your company policies must permit this.
- After installing the software you must schedule a pre-exam online session to ensure your PC is set up correctly.
- At the start of the procotored session you must use your webcam to demonstrate that you are alone and can't reach anything that could be used to cheat.
- If you are interrupted or leave your spot during the exam, the test session is over.
Check out the video for details.
What if I fail one of the exams?
Almost all our students pass on the first try. We are proud of our track record, which is based on our own accredited training materials and instruction given only by experienced architects.
Having said that, everyone has a bad day sometimes. We are almost always able to help you get you a retake voucher in the rare cases where this is needed.
